In 2013, the Mie Prefectural Police Department arrested 145 people on charges of stimulant, marijuana or other drug use. Despite police efforts, drug abuse remains an issue.

Even individuals that try drugs once out of curiosity can become heavily addicted and become unable to stop using drugs on their own. Individuals who repeatedly use drugs are eventually unable to experience the same sensation by taking the same amount of the drug. This causes them to use the drug in larger amounts and more frequently, continuing a deadly cycle. Heavy drug users may experience auditory and visual hallucinations, commit crimes like murder and arson, or harm themselves.

Drugs affect more than the body. They also affect the mind. Repeated use of drugs can cause extreme mood swings and irritability, keeping users from living normal and fulfilling lives. Drugs can cause strain on friendships and family relations, interfere with work and cause other types of personal loss.

You should also avoid drugs classified as “kiken doraggu” or “hazardous drugs” in Japanese. Drugs classified in this way were once known as “dappou doraggu” or “drugs that circumvent the law.” This name was deemed inappropriate considering the dangers that the drugs pose to the human body, and the name was changed.

These drugs are sold under names like “okoo” (incense), “synthetic herb” and “aroma liquid.” These names may make it sound like these substances are good for the body, but ingredients in these drugs can be very harmful to the human body. Do not be fooled by their names; these drugs can cause cognitive impairment, vomiting, seizures and breathing problems.

There have been many cases of people being hospitalized as a result of taking these drugs, and in some cases, users have died. This June, a man who had used one of these drugs killed 8 people by driving onto a sidewalk with his car. This incident is one of many similar incidents all over Japan that involve individuals taking these drugs, losing consciousness or altering their state of mind, and then causing tragic accidents behind the wheel of a car. These drugs may not just affect your health, using them may bring harm to the people around you, as well.

Drugs designated as “kiken doraggu” have been illegal to possess, buy, procure and use as of April 1 of this year. Keep in mind that just having these drugs on your person is enough for you to face prosecution. Do not let others fool you into believing that they are legal. Claiming ignorance is not an option if you are caught. Remember, your only response to drugs should be, “absolutely not.”

For more information on illegal drugs and drug law enforcement, please the video posted to Mie Info in 2012 on the same topic using the links below.

http://mieinfo.com/en/highlights/information-about-illegal-drug/index.html